So this was my second “real” show in Austin and I was EXCITED. The closest I had ever come to seeing the Counting Crows perform was a backstage peek I was given by one of the members of their opening band back in ’93. That’s another story, for another time. Anyway, I also was excited to see Austin Music Hall. I was pretty sure it would be the type of venue in the vein of Metro in Chicago. It’s my favorite kind of spot for this kind of concert…big enough for a bigger name artist, but not TOO big. When you first walk into the music hall, you encounter a small foyer. As you walk further inside, it feels like you’re entering into a warehouse space. Moving toward the main floor area, you run into the bar to your left along the back wall, the main sound booth right in front of the bar and then the huge standing room only floor area. There is seating on the 2nd floor balcony. Along with VIP seating, there is also some general admission seating. This is great if you don’t like to be in the thick of it, or you just want to take a load off. Like I originally thought, I liked the space a lot. It was great to see the Counting Crows in a more intimate setting. The show was set-up so that all the bands interacted on-stage together. They each had their own defined sets, but members of each band would come perform for certain songs with the other band. For example, Adam Duritz came on stage to perform Bob Dylan’s “Just Like A Woman” with Augustana. It was a collaborative effort for sure. Counting Crow’s setlist consisted of mostly newer songs. I was hoping to hear more of their oldies, but I really did enjoy the show.

Caravan (with Augustana)

Mrs. Potter’s Lullaby (with Augustana)

Omaha (with Augustana)

Come Around

A Long December (one more day)

When I Dream of Michelangelo

If I Could Give All My Love -or- Richard Manuel Is Dead

Sweet Virginia (The Rolling Stones cover) (with Augustana)

Holiday in Spain

Hanging Tree

Sundays

Black and Blue

Fire

Washington Square (w/dan on harmonica)

Hanginaround (w/everyone)

Encore:

Why Should You Come When I Call?

Rain King (with Augustana)

Cecilia (Simon & Garfunkel cover) (with Augustana)

Mr. Jones

This Land Is Your Land (Woody Guthrie cover)

This venue definitely did bring back some great memories of all the shows I saw at Metro. Would love to go back!